How to Ensure That a Primer Is Installed Correctly

To ensure that your primers are installed correctly, be sure to follow these four steps:

1. Make sure you have the right type of primers.
2. Clean the primer pocket to remove residual powder and crimping.
3. Follow the priming directions for your particular press or hand primer.
4. Check for proper insertion.

Powder Valley has all the ammo supplies you’ll need to cover the reloading basics, including primers. Check out our massive selection of top-quality products at the best prices, and reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable pros if you have questions about which items are right for your shooting needs.

Below, let’s dig into the nuts and bolts of installing a primer.

The Right Primer for the Right Cartridge

When it comes to primers, it’s easy to let appearances fool you. You may think, “this primer looks exactly like the ones specified in the manual. So what’s the harm in using it?”

The answer is that it can do an enormous amount of harm. That’s because every type and brand of primer is designed for a specific kind of cartridge.

Installing the wrong one can cause the round to fail, ruining your weapon or even blowing up in your face.

The best and easiest way to avoid this hazard is to follow the primer specifications in your reloading manual precisely. There’s no substitute for going by the book.

Cleaning the Primer Pocket

Used brass inevitably has residual powder in the priming pocket. Military cartridges may even have leftover crimping.

It’s important to remove these obstructions with a pocket uniformer and, if necessary, a crimp remover. Otherwise, you may have trouble fitting the new primer correctly.

Following the Directions for Your Press or Hand Priming Tool

Some reloaders use press dies to insert primers. Others prefer handheld priming tools. Both are fine, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s directions to the letter.

If you have a lot of brass to reload, then consider investing in a press with an attachable primer tube. This handy device picks up a fresh primer whenever you move the arm back and forth, saving you plenty of time and sparing you from needless aggravation.

Checking the Primed Cartridge

The last step is to check the new primer for proper positioning. If you’ve done everything properly to this point, then it should be flush with the end of the cartridge or slightly indented.

IMPORTANT NOTE: if the primer is bulging outward from the casing, then by no means you should you fire the cartridge. At the very least, doing so will damage your firearm. At the worst, it could lead to serious injury or even death.

Ready to Start Reloading? Order Your Supplies From Powder Valley

Quality equipment is essential for reloading success. That’s why Powder Valley offers a comprehensive inventory of ammo reloading supplies, from reloading primers to cartridges, powder, bullets, and reloading presses. We also offer fair pricing and excellent customer service.

Browse our site and place your order for fast delivery. Remember, we can help you to shoot more and pay less than before.